Children’s play centre closed as police called

A POPULAR children’s play centre was closed for two hours on Tuesday (16/02) as police were called to deal with a bullying incident.

The play centre, which is situated on Blackburn Road, in Dunstable, was closed after a ‘serious incident of child on child bullying,’ according to the venue’s Facebook page.

Snakes and Ladders is a popular local centre for children up to the age of 12 and includes electronic motorbikes, a dedicated ‘under fives’ zone and a cafeteria for parents to sit in while their children play.

An investigation has been launched by police into the circumstances of the incident.

A police spokesperson said: “We were called on Tuesday (16 February) at 11.38am to reports of a suspicious incident at a children’s play centre in Houghton Regis.

“Officers attended and enquiries were carried out, suspending business for part of the day.

“The centre was then able to remain open as usual.”

A statement on the Snakes and Ladders Facebook page read: “We have received a lot of questions tonight and we felt it would be useful for all our parents if we post a message on Facebook.

“Today, a serious incident occurred of child to child bullying and we did call the police.

“Whilst they investigated onsite, the playcentre was temporarily closed and we reopened after two hours.

“All of us at Snakes and Ladders are obviously upset, we hope you understand but thinking of the families and children of those involved, we cannot go into any more details.”

Anyone with information on the incident is encouraged to call Detective Constable David Elias on 101.